For my applications, the ACT/ SAT is the weakest part. They aren’t terrible, but they are closer to the 25% end of the range for the schools I am interested in. Does this disqualify my from admissions in any way? How much does ACT/SAT scores factor into admissions at schools like UVA, Georgetown, U of Chicago, UNC?I have heard a little of everything on this topic, and I wanted some insight from CC. Thoughts?
I think you will find a treasure trove of information on CC concerning this subject if you look in the SAT and ACT Tests & Test Preparation thread. But FYI, unless you have a “hook” that makes you an especially attractive candidate to an admissions committee irrespective of your GPA, test scores, etc., you will want to strengthen your application by having scores in the upper range, say 75th percentile, of test takers…
Obviously, the chance goes down with scores. So having a score at 25th percentile would mean your chance to be much lower than the overall admission rate. Most of the students with scores at or below 25th percentile would have something else to make up the deficit such as URM, legacy, first generation student, athletes recruitment, or for specific programs with less emphasis on test score.
For what weight scores receive, google Common Data Set {school name} and look at section C.